Mary McCartney/MPL Communications Ltd.Paul McCartney is among the stars who'll participate in the 23rd annual Simply Shakespeare benefit event, which features a cast of celebrities reciting one of the bard's classic plays. This year's edition will feature a reading of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Other luminaries confirmed to take part in the performance are William Shatner, Tom Hanks and Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson.

The Simply Shakespeare performance is presented by the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles and will be held at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California. The event is described as "a hilarious and entertaining evening of impromptu Shakespeare and song." Additional cast members will be announced soon.

Proceeds raised from Simply Shakespeare will go toward the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, and will help support its various arts-themed employment initiatives and local arts-education programs.

Tickets for the event cost $1,500. To find out more information about the show, contact Lauran@LPAevents.com.